Two years ago we made the decision to allow Channel 4 to film an observational documentary series at South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. Our reasons for taking part were to raise awareness about mental illness, draw attention to the realities of living with it, and address issues surrounding stigma. However, we also knew that we were potentially opening ourselves up to criticism. I would not wish to expose any of our staff and patients to ridicule or to repeat the history of Bedlam – when the rich paid to see "mad" patients as entertainment.

As a consultant psychiatrist, as well as medical director of the trust, I had to consider whether taking part was beneficial for our patients and for mental health generally, as one of the fundamental aspects of my work – and many others at Slam – is the constant battle to reduce stigma.

For too long our patients and mental health professionals have endured ignorance, stigmatisation, social isolation and even abuse. I would not be entirely truthful if I said I never worried about the outcome; I was, however, confident in our partners (Channel 4 and Garden Productions) and believed that as it was an important story to tell, it was worth the risk.

So when we stood on stage receiving a Bafta last month, it struck me how far we have come (I also made a mental note that this was a personal experience unlikely to be repeated in my lifetime). A series about mental illness triumphed over mainstream populist documentaries to win a major award.

Several years ago it was unlikely that a series like this would have been made, let alone receive such recognition. Before Bedlam was on TV nobody really knew what psychiatrists or mental health nurses do for a living; through Channel 4 millions of people got a small glimpse into our world from their living room. Even my friends and family said it was the first time they really knew what I got up to. When I watched the programmes I was immensely proud of the staff and patients who took part – they did so because they believed their work is important and should be known about. There was an enormous sense of humanity and humility in what was portrayed.

During the transmission of Bedlam we saw many new developments on social media sites and many rewarding responses from the public. Slowly, people were having their eyes opened. People were finally getting the idea that mental illness isn't limited to a certain type of individual; it can affect anyone – your neighbours, colleagues and friends. The people on Bedlam are ordinary people who have sometimes had to face extraordinary circumstances. It doesn't matter what your tax band or your postcode are.

Bedlam followed people on a journey to recovery – something we don't see nearly enough in the media. People can be reluctant to seek help for a mental health problem, or even to talk about it with their family and friends, because of the stigma and discrimination that is sadly still too prevalent in our society. The series shows that it is possible to live with and recover from serious mental illness if you receive the right treatment and support.

Around 80% of people with mental health problems say they are subjected to stigma or discrimination. The patients who took part wanted to confront this. The risks were explained to them and there was a complex process of consent in place to ensure their needs were met every step of the way.

Usually when I appear in the media it is to talk about the UK's mental health crisis and bed shortage. Sadly, this situation has still not improved. The bed shortage is a national phenomenon underpinned by many factors. Squeezed social services budgets, pressures on housing, reductions in standards of living and changes to the benefits system have all played their part in causing a national upturn in mental health problems. It is also a fact that, at a time when healthcare funding is under huge strain, mental health services have taken a disproportionally big hit.

This is why we need more shows like Bedlam – shows that can portray mental illness accurately, raise the profile of psychiatry and attract talented young doctors into the profession.

I was worried about the responses of colleagues, perhaps fearing I would be accused of trivialising mental health problems. In fact I have received a huge amount of unsolicited thanks and appreciation for what the trust has done with the programme.

It is naive to think Bedlam has changed anything long term but it really feels as though we have made some start on tackling mental health discrimination. If nothing else, Bedlam got people talking about mental illness – and that can only be a step in the right direction.

Dr Martin Baggaley is medical director at South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust. He is also a consultant psychiatrist at Lambeth hospital triage ward, which provides rapid assessment and treatment for people with severe mental illness in crisis. The work of the unit featured in the Channel 4 documentary series Bedlam, which won a Bafta for best factual television series.